Marija Dzidzeva is an internationally acclaimed film director based in Skopje, Macedonia. She is best known for her award-winning feature film, The Third Half, which won the Special Jury Prize at the 2010 Berlin International Film Festival.
Born in 1976, Marija was raised in a small village in Macedonia. From a young age, she was passionate about the art of storytelling and the power of film. She studied film at the University of Skopje, where she graduated with a degree in film and media studies.
Marija’s first feature film, The Third Half, was released in 2009. It tells the story of a Jewish soccer team playing in Nazi-occupied Macedonia during World War II. The film received critical acclaim internationally and was a huge success in her home country.
In 2010, Marija was selected to be a part of the Berlinale Talents program, which is an initiative to encourage young filmmakers from around the world. She was also awarded the prestigious FIPRESCI Prize for her film, The Third Half.
Since then, Marija has gone on to direct two more features, the drama The Last Word (2012) and the crime thriller The Three (2015). Both films have been well received and have won multiple awards.
Marija’s films have earned her recognition both domestically and internationally. She has been the recipient of many awards, including the Best Director Award at the Sarajevo Film Festival and the Grand Prix at the 2012 Moscow International Film Festival.
Marija is currently working on her fourth feature film, which is set in contemporary Macedonia. She continues to create powerful stories that explore the complexities of life and the human condition. Marija is an inspiring filmmaker who is sure to continue to bring her unique and compelling perspective to the world of cinema.
